Carnival Experts needed!

[blueladybug]

Hi everyone, I have not been on a Carnival cruise since 1996. We are going on the Paradise for Thanksgiving week. (A group of 8; ages from 3 to 50 years old). Any advice on this to do, shows, cool hidden spots on the ship, food, etc... Any and all suggestions are welcomed as I'm bit of a novice regarding Carnival. Thanks so much!

[binkey36]

We (42 of us) were on the Paradise last November (2007) and had a great trip. I spent more time at the shows, and at karaoke then I have done in the past. I don't know which shows will be "playing" when you sail, but check them all out. If you don't like them you can leave and find something else to do. Also, when we were in Ensenada they did show a movie in the rear lounge (where the karaoke is). I came back early to the ship (been to Ensenada too many times to count) and happened to see the movie listed in the Carnival Capers. It was fun and they served popcorn. It was a great way to spend a cool, drizzly Saturday afternoon. Hope you have a great time!

[blueladybug]

Thank you so much! Does anyone else have any suggestions?? Any particular food that are a must to order?

[victory2020]

Been on the Paradise 6 times in the last 2 years - if you have any specific questions, please ask. Don't miss beef wellington on 1st night, sandwiches are great at the deli in the back of the Lido dining near pizza (calzone is excellent- made to order). Tea on the last (sea) day is very nice - it's in the United States bar. Karioke (sp?) is the best entertainment in my opinion. Comedians are OK, too.

[CWcruisers]

Actually, Carnival is in the process of changing menus at this time, so even we experts (15 Carnival cruises) don't know the new menus. I heard rumor that the aforementioned Beef Wellington is not on the new menus. Don't know if and when the new menus hit the Paradise. But you're on a cruise, how bad can it be.

 

If still available, the one thing I am sure most people would recommend is the Warm Melting Chocolate Cake. It's a must.

 

There is lots to do on the Paradise at night. I'll be thinking of you because I will be on the Spirit for Thanksgiving week this year, and next year too!

[blueladybug]

Thanks Victory2020. I have a few more questions, if you don't mind.

 

1. Is there a soft serve ice cream machine on board? My kids (including my husband ;) love soft serve ice cream.

 

2. Any suggestions for excursions in Catalina Island or Ensenada?

 

3. Is there any speciality resturants on board?

 

Thanks so much! I appreciate it!

[clackey]

Thank you so much! Does anyone else have any suggestions?? Any particular food that are a must to order?

If you are a carnivore, the Chateau Briand (sp?) is a must. This is a thick Fillet with bearnaise and au jus. Then there is the Melting Chocolate Cake and Decadence of Chocolate for dessert.

[GlendaleCruiser]

If you are a carnivore, the Chateau Briand (sp?) is a must. This is a thick Fillet with bearnaise and au jus. Then there is the Melting Chocolate Cake and Decadence of Chocolate for dessert.

 

Ask for extra Bernaise. They don't give you enough. I agree with all these.

 

Also, go to High Tea every day it's offered (once I think on a 4-day). It's elegant and makes you feel a little bit elegant, too.

[Rockee4055]

Thank you so much! Does anyone else have any suggestions?? Any particular food that are a must to order?

 

Blue lady - I say order it all.....on the Glory in April the main dishes were fabulous. Prime rib was over the top and the lobster tail was....was...well just let me say I had two of them.

 

I know others in our party of 18 went nuts over the chocolate melting cake. I believe most of them had it every night.

[CWcruisers]

The soft serve ice cream machine is available 24/7 and is free, unlike other cruise lines.

 

Catalina-Horse back riding is good with kids.

 

Ensenada-That one is a little tougher. Look at the shore excursion offerings. I always go wine tasting, but don't think the kids will enjoy that.

 

No specialty restaurant on board the Paradise. You have to get to the Spirit class ships and beyond for that. The Splendor is moving to LA to take the place of the Pride, so you might want to start saving you pennies for that one.

[blueladybug]

Thanks everyone!! I'm getting very excited now!

 

Any other suggestions???

[yvrnavigator]

I have not been on Carnival before but am booked with my wife and a six year old son for the 4 day cruise this summer on the Paradise.

Just wanted to share some information with regards to shore excursion in Ensenada that I have experienced so far.

I wanted to do the Fox Studio tour - now called Xploration as my 6 year old son really loves everything about the Titanic, however it is not available for this cruise as the ship arrives at 9.00 am in Ensenada and the tour would have left at 9.00am.

I found that there isn't much else especially for children except maybe the Blowhole tour.

I decided to rent a minivan from Hertz in Ensenada and drive to Rosartio to Xploration myself as it's supposed to be nice drive and the roads seem to be good.

The cost for the Minivan is US$ 85.00 for the day + the Collision Damage waiver which is about $ 18.00.

I thought that this was good alternative. Especially if you have a few people sharing a car/van it might be worthwhile.

For Catalina we have decided on the semi-submarine tour and if time allows the glassbottom tour.

All of our choices were mostly made due to my 6 year old son and what he might enjoy on this short trip.

[Cotton]

IF you like prime rib AND lobster tails, don't miss formal/elegant night.

 

Be sure and go to both the production shows. The comedians, etc., I can take or leave, but the shows are fantastic with so many colors, costumes, etc. Even little ones like those.

 

The pizzeria and the soft serve ice cream are both available 24 hrs. a day. Also, room service is comp, but tip a buck or two to the delivery person.

 

On Catalina, I like renting the golf carts and going over the island. You can see things from the top that you won't forget - scenery, etc.

 

Enjoy everything that's offered; the cruise is too short!:)

[victory2020]

Thanks Victory2020. I have a few more questions, if you don't mind.

 

1. Is there a soft serve ice cream machine on board? My kids (including my husband ;) love soft serve ice cream.

 

2. Any suggestions for excursions in Catalina Island or Ensenada?

 

3. Is there any speciality resturants on board?

 

Thanks so much! I appreciate it!

Yes, soft serve 24hrs/day. Ensenada is really not a great port- we usually saty on the ship or go for a walk around town (don't need to take $2 shuttle, it's a very short walk over the bridge to the left - follow crew members. Ensenada is getting dangerous. I've heard blowhole tour is nice. If you walk past the bridge you can get tour for 1/2 what Carnival charges, just make sure you do this early in the day so you can get back to ship if there are any problems. Catalina ia a nice town to walk.They have golf carts for rent at abpout $50/2 hrs.There is also a bus that takes you around the whole Island. You would have to ask a local about how to take it. Chamber of Commerce is at the pier, they should be able to help.It is a much better port to spend time in than Ensenada. No specialty restaurants but there is sushi bar 5pm- 8pm just outside of casino that is nice. Also, last sea day the lido deck at lunch has chocolate dessert buffet. Get ther at noon when they open (who needs lunch) to avoid lines.